●■●● Complete Guide to the Korean Transportation System for International Students
▶ All prices in this guide are based on Korean Won (KRW)
Korea’s public transportation is one of the most advanced and well-connected systems in the world — affordable, convenient, and easy for foreigners to use.
This complete guide explains how to use subways, buses, taxis, and transportation cards step by step — perfect for international students and travelers.
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●●🟧 With just a smartphone and a transportation card, you can go anywhere
●✅ Korea is recognized globally for its outstanding transportation infrastructure
●✅ Even if it’s your first time arriving in Korea,
as long as you have a smartphone and a transportation card,
you can travel quickly and affordably to any part of the country—Seoul,
Busan, Jeju, and beyond
●✅ Subways, buses, taxis, express buses, KTX trains, and domestic flights
are all seamlessly connected, and most offer multilingual guidance, including English
●✅ If you download essential apps like Naver Map, KakaoMap,
Kakao Taxi, KorailTalk, and Express Bus Mobile,
you can check real-time routes and make reservations easily
▶ Whether you're a tourist, student, or working holiday visitor,
Korea’s transportation system is known for being
affordable, convenient, and precise—and you'll adapt to it quickly
●●🟧 Transfer System– Save up to 5 transfers with just one transportation card
●✅ Korea’s public transportation offers an integrated fare discount system
●✅ If you transfer between subways, buses, or village buses within 30 minutes, additional fares are automatically adjusted without extra charges
●✅ You can make up to 5 transfers,
and receive fare discounts for up to 5 rides in total
●✅ These benefits only apply when using a transportation card
Cash payments do not qualify for transfer discounts
📌 You don’t need to worry about how many times you've transferred
or whether 30 minutes have passed
Koreans simply tap the card once when boarding and once when exiting
—the system handles everything automatically without error
▶ Just tag your transportation card once when you get on,
and once when you get off Transfers are processed automatically
▶ The fare and your remaining balance are displayed in
real-time on the card reader, so you can transfer accurately and without mistakes
●●🟧 Subway
– Fast, accurate, and clean public transportation
●✅ Korea’s subway system is fast, precise, safe, and clean
It’s one of the most representative forms of public transportation
●✅ Subways operate not only in Seoul, but also in Busan, Daegu, Daejeon,
and Gwangju Each city’s subway system is well-equipped with guidance systems,
platform layouts, convenience facilities, and multilingual support
●✅ The base fare is ₩1,400 (around $1),
and additional charges apply based on distance traveled
●✅ Most stations offer announcements in English and other languages,
so foreigners can use them without difficulty
📌 Seoul’s subway system includes lines 1 to 9,
and also connects to the greater metropolitan rail network
This makes it possible to transfer and travel across the entire country
▶ Subway lines are color-coded and numbered,
so even newcomers rarely get lost
▶ Exits are numbered, with clear signage at each exit
Foreigners can easily find their way to nearby destinations
▶ Platform displays show real-time train arrival times, travel direction,
and crowd levels Some stations even feature cultural exhibition spaces
▶ All subway stations across Korea offer clean public restrooms for free
This is one of the most appreciated features by foreign visitors
📌 People who have used subways in places like New York or London
are often surprised by how clean and quiet Korea’s subways are
▶ In Korea, queuing for public transport is part of everyday life
People always wait in line, letting passengers get off before boarding
●●🟧 City Buses and Local Buses
– Color-coded and well-equipped transport
●✅ Buses in Korea are categorized into trunk (blue), branch (green),
metropolitan (red), circular (yellow), local village buses, and airport buses
●✅ Each type of bus has a different color,
making it easy for first-time users to identify the route
●✅ Fares typically range from ₩1,200 to ₩2,400,
depending on the type of bus
📌 At bus stops, electronic displays show real-time arrival info and crowd levels
You can even check how many people are on the way
▶ Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Google Maps apps provide live bus arrival times and crowd data
It makes travel much more efficient
▶ Some bus stops are equipped with heated benches in winter,
smart benches, free phone chargers, and public Wi-Fi
▶ The inside of buses is kept very clean with no graffiti or damage
Most drivers are friendly and will gladly help you if needed
▶ Phone calls are discouraged, queuing is the norm,
and people typically give up their seats for the elderly or pregnant passengers
These public etiquette rules make the ride more pleasant
●●🟧 Express and Intercity Buses
– Great for long-distance travel across Korea
●✅ For example, Seoul to Busan usually costs ₩25,000 to ₩40,000
You can easily reserve tickets using the KOBUS or Bustago app
●✅ Seats are divided into Standard, Premium, and Luxury levels
Most seats are wide and comfortable—even on long-distance trips
📌 Major terminals in Seoul include Seoul Express Bus Terminal,
Dong Seoul Terminal, and Central City Terminal
📌 Large suitcases can be stored underneath the bus
That’s why this option is especially convenient for foreign travelers
●●🟧 Trains
– KTX and SRT for fast, nationwide connections
●✅ For the Seoul–Busan route, KTX takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes
The fare is ₩59,800 (around $42.70)
●✅ Trains are highly punctual, and seat spacing is wide
So long-distance rides are comfortable and relaxing
📌 You can book tickets using the KorailTalk or official SRT apps
All seats are assigned seating only
▶ Train travel is fast and precise between all major cities in Korea
It’s a great option for both business and leisure travelers
●●🟧 Air Travel
– Domestic flights are the key to Jeju trips
●✅ Domestic flights in Korea usually cost between ₩40,000 and ₩70,000
The most popular routes are Gimpo–Jeju and Gimhae–Jeju
●✅ There are many low-cost carriers (LCCs) available,
so you can travel affordably
📌 Incheon and Gimpo Airports are easy to access via airport buses or
the airport railroad (AREX)
Even when luggage is included, prices are still competitive
📌 Because Korea has such a well-developed transportation system,
most people use cars, trains, or express buses instead of planes—
except when traveling to Jeju Island
●●🟧 Driving in Korea
– Up to 90 days with an International Driver’s Permit
▶ Roads, signs, and navigation systems are well maintained, so driving isn’t difficult
📌 If you want to drive after 90 days, you’ll need to exchange your IDP for a Korean driver’s license
Most countries allow this exchange with just a vision test and a translated document, but some require an actual driving test
●✅ Navigation apps like KakaoNavi and TMAP support English
▶ Foreigners can easily follow route instructions using voice navigation
●✅ Parking fees and highway tolls
▶ Parking in city areas and expressway tolls can be relatively expensive compared to public transport — plan your budget carefully
●✅ For the most accurate and recent information
▶ Check the official websites of the Korea Road Traffic Authority or the Immigration Office before you drive
●●🟧 Taxis for Foreigners
– Safer and more accurate with KakaoT
●✅ Taxis in Korea are generally safe, and fares are calculated transparently
●✅ Using the KakaoT app makes it even easier and
more accurate to call a taxi
📌 KakaoT supports English menus
The app detects your location and allows in-app payment,
making it easy for foreigners to use
▶ Taxis are categorized into standard (white/silver), deluxe (black),
and jumbo (van-type) All accept credit cards and transportation cards
▶ In Seoul, the base fare is ₩4,800 (about $3.43)
The meter automatically adjusts based on distance and time
📌 The fare meter works without manipulation,
and with the app, you can see the car info and estimated fare before boarding
So even first-timers can feel safe
●●🟧 Transportation Cards
– One T-money card works nationwide
●✅ With a transportation card like T-money or Cashbee,
you can ride subways, buses, and even some taxis with ease
●✅ Cards can be bought for ₩2,500 (about $1.80)
at convenience stores or subway stations Just top them up and use them repeatedly
●✅ Android users can use Samsung Pay + NFC
to tag directly at the gate without a physical card
Many Koreans and long-term foreigners use this method
●✅ iPhones can’t make direct payments,
but you can still check your balance and recharge via the app
●✅ Fares are cheaper when using a card instead of cash,
and transfer discounts apply automatically
📌 A transportation card is essential for using Korean public transport
If you’re visiting for the first time, make sure to get one right away
●●🟧 How to Find Subway Exits
– Just know the number, and you're good to go
●✅ Korean subway stations use numbered exits,
usually from Exit 1 up to 10, 20, or more
●✅ Each exit connects to destinations like hospitals, attractions,
or restaurants Choosing the right one saves you time and walking
●✅ Inside the station, exit numbers are clearly marked with arrows
And near the exits, local maps and building guides are displayed
●✅ You can also check exit numbers in advance using
KakaoMap or Naver Map
This is super helpful in large or complex stations
📌 Korea’s subway exit system is very intuitive, even for foreigners
→ Even if it’s your first time, you’ll have no trouble finding your way
●●🟧 Late-Night Transportation in Big Cities
– No worries after the subway ends
After that, you can use late-night buses (N-Buses) or take a taxi
●✅ N-Buses run from 11:10 PM to 6:00 AM
Buses come every 20–30 minutes, and the fare is ₩2,500 (about $1.80)
●✅ You can check live routes and arrival times using KakaoMap
●✅ Regular city buses usually start between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM
Subways start around 5:00 AM,
and village buses begin between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM
●✅ Taxis operate 24/7, and nighttime fares include a late-night surcharge
●✅ When you use the KakaoT app to call a taxi,
you can check the vehicle info, estimated fare, and exact pickup location in advance
So even foreigners can use it safely
📌 Korea's late-night transport is highly organized
Even after the subway shuts down, you can get around without any problems
▶ Once you experience Korea’s transport system,
you’ll notice how everything is clearly marked with numbers and colors
Thanks to real-time info and helpful apps,
even first-time visitors can get around on their own without much trouble
📌 This guide might look long and complex,
but most foreigners who have used Korean public transport say things like:
“I’ve never seen a system this organized, kind, and affordable”
📌 In Korea, queuing is a natural part of using public transport
If it's crowded, people always wait in line and follow order
▶ For buses, there are often separate entrances and exits
But for subways, trains, and intercity buses,
everyone waits until all passengers have exited before boarding
▶ This culture of patience and respect is something foreigners
are also expected to follow Korean public transport is known as one of the most reasonable and user-friendly systems in the world
●●🟧 Bicycles and Shared E-Scooters
– Great for short-distance travel
●✅ You can check location, make payments,
and return the vehicle all within the app
They’re super convenient for short distances or getting to subway stations
📌 If you're visiting Korea, try apps like Ddareungi, Kickgoing, or Lime
It can be a fun and useful experience
●●🟧 Transportation for People with Disabilities and Seniors – Accessible and inclusive
●✅ Most subway stations and major bus stops
are equipped with elevators, braille signs, and other accessibility features
●✅ There are priority seats for the elderly and pregnant passengers,
and other riders usually offer them without hesitation
📌 If you're traveling with someone who has limited mobility,
Korea's transport system is generally very stable and easy to use
●●🟧 Onboard Subway Facilities
– Stay connected and charged
●✅ Korean subways offer free Wi-Fi on most trains
So even during long rides, you can stay connected
●✅ Some lines and trains also have charging outlets for your phone
So you don’t need to worry about battery
📌 If you carry a charging cable during long trips,
you’ll be able to use it conveniently when needed
●●🟧 Airport Railroad (AREX)
– Fast and budget-friendly connection to Seoul
●●✅ AREX connects Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
It takes about 40–60 minutes and is affordably priced
●✅ Once you arrive at Seoul Station,
you can easily transfer to the subway and reach all major areas in the city
📌 For newly arrived foreigners, AREX is one of the fastest and
most convenient ways to get into the heart of Seoul from the airport
●●🟧 How to Check and Refund Your T-Money Balance
●✅ After using your transportation card,
you can get any leftover balance refunded at convenience stores or subway info counters
●✅ If you install a T-money app,
you can also check your balance and usage history for easy management
📌 Before you leave Korea, don’t forget to get your T-money balance refunded!
●●🟧 Start Your Study Abroad Life in Korea Easily with BP Korea
●✅ To start your life in Korea successfully,
you need proper visa preparation and a reliable local guide
▶ For inquiries and consultation, just send us an email at visa@bridgeplankorea.com
We’ll respond quickly and kindly
👉 [Apply for your student visa now:https://bridgeplankorea.com/ ]
📌 This article was written using a translation tool
Some sentences may contain translation errors
For accurate information or consultation, please contact BP Korea directly
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